Storm Packing Hurricane-Force Winds Hits Western Europe

Waves produced by storm-force winds break against the harbor wall in Dover, England, on Monday.

Oli Scarff
/ Getty Images

Originally published on October 28, 2013 3:40 pm

What's being described as the worst storm in years hit Britain before moving across the English Channel to lash the Netherlands, France and Germany. It's claimed as many as 13 lives, The Associated Press reports, and has caused flooding as it whips the region with wind gusts of nearly 100 mph.

"BBC forecasters say the storm, which began overnight and saw heavy rain fall across many areas and wind speeds of more than 70 mph, moved out of the UK shortly after 12:00 GMT — leaving a 'broadly windy day.' "

"UK Power Networks officials said up to 270,000 homes were without power. Flood alerts were issued for many parts of southern England and emergency officials said hundreds of trees were knocked down by gusts. ...

"London's Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest, cancelled at least 130 flights and express trains between central London and Gatwick and Stansted airports were suspended. Huge waves prompted the major English port of Dover to close, cutting off ferry services to France."

"Heavy winds also swept across the low-lying Netherlands, shutting down all train traffic to Amsterdam. Hurricane-force winds of more than 150 kph (93 mph) were recorded on one of the islands off the northern Dutch coast."